Bixler rolls 826 series, 297 game, at Mt. Vernon
The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting a little colder. As if you had to be reminded. Well, maybe this is the signal that it is time to start putting together that Christmas wish list of items to support your bowling passion. Do I have the find for you. For just a mere $1.45 million you can be the owner of your own four-lane professional bowling center. Neiman Marcus, the purveyor of fine possession to those who live in a world other than mine, is offering this item via their catalogue. The 5,000 square foot, bowling center includes all the bowling equipment, two large-screen plasma TVs, and a karaoke machine. The package even includes lessons from professional bowlers.
Now back to the real world.
What is real is Matt Bixler of Scottdale bowling an 800 series last Saturday at the Mt. Vernon Bowl. Matt’s score ended up an impressive 826.
This was Matt’s first 800 and according to the management at Mr. Vernon this represents the best score the lanes have seen in many years.
In talking with Matt you soon realize this is a no-nonsense kind of guy. Matt has been bowling since he was eight years old and this accomplishment was just one more notch on his drive to perfection.
The final game in Matt’s series ended up a 297.
“I was excited, but I was kind of kicking myself for not getting that last pin,” Matt said.
Matt really wanted to finish the roll in style but it just wasn’t meant to be. His bowling buddies even chastised him for not being more excited. Matt said he would return to the lanes and try all over again.
I asked Matt if he had any bowling advice that he has garnered with his years on the lanes. “Just bowl the lanes the way you find them,” he said. Matt seems like the bowling enthusiast that will be bowling for years always working towards the next record. Good luck, Matt.
Klondike Lanes
The balls found their true course at Klondike Lanes for five members of the Wednesday Night League. Joe Pascia reported five of his patrons each had a 700 series.
Jerome Manchas bowled his first 700 with a score of 718. Bill Crumb followed Jerome with a 711, Bob Roland a 738, Jamie Lawrence a 751 and Kenny Umbel bowled a 718. Sounds like a good night of bowling.
Klondike Lanes would like everyone to know about their newly opened pro shop called Strike Zone. John Kransoic manages the shop. Also, the C. Harper No-Tap tournament starts Oct. 16. Call 724-583-1137 to register.
Championship Bowling
This year marks the sixth year of the Championship Bowling show on HSTV. Last week, I listed some the times for taping and qualifying. This week the tournament director forwarded the rules and some of the history of the tournament.
To make the TV show area bowlers must come to the specified bowling house at specific times beginning two weeks prior to the taping of the show. The bowlers roll a three-game series and the top 10 highest series thrown during the two weeks of qualifying will be on the show. A player may attempt to qualify as many times as he or she likes in order to improve his or her score during the two weeks before the taping. Qualifying usually takes place around 10 p.m. and last until about 1 a.m.
Next week, Championship Bowling moves to Fairbank Bowling Center. The qualifying dates there are: October 12, 14, 17, 19 and 21. All qualifying times start at 10 p.m. The taping at Fairbank Bowling Center will be Sunday, October 24, at 10 p.m.
Cost for the tournament entry is $25. The format for the show will be similar to last year with top four qualifiers (minimum) by score, four guaranteed squad leader qualifiers (maximum of five) an “under 200” qualifier, and a “special spot awarded for the highest series rolled by a bowler who has not yet been on Championship Bowling this season” making up the TV final.
That is it for this week. I am going back to my rich life catalogue and see what my anticipated Powerball winnings will buy. I’ve got a feeling I will still be working for a living next week.
Brian Casey’s bowling column appears in Sunday editions. He may be reached at brianwcasey@hotmail.com.